Greater Manchester gang toured the North West stealing historic stone from churches... leaving a bride to walk down a 'dirt path' and pallbearers carrying coffins having to 'tread carefully'
A bride had to walk down a 'dirt path' on her wedding day and pallbearers had to 'tread carefully' after a Rochdale and Oldham based gang struck at churches across the North West, stealing historic York paving stones. Jason Perry, 49, a veteran who received a bravery medal following tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as brothers Connor Lipinski, 28, and Owen Lipinski, 31, were involved in the 'despicable' plot.
READ MORE: Police officer sent information about suspects to wealthy victim who told her he was 'on his way to strangle them' "The damage is irreparable." Prosecutors said that the gang sold on the stones at a reclamation yard, often for a fraction of what they were worth. "It is important that buildings within our country and heritage are regarded properly with reverence and respect. The likes if you shouldn't be getting your hands on them and taking things away."
Peter Barnett, for Connor Lipinski, said he is a dad-of-four who has suffered from depression. He self medicated with cannabis and has built up debts, the court heard. Lipinski, of Gale Court, Rochdale, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal. After the hearing, PC Rob Stordy, from Cheshire Police, said: “By working together with other forces and with the expert help and advice from Historic England, we have brought these men to justice for pillaging our rich history. These crimes impacted the heart of our rural communities and left most of the paths impassable due to the damage the men had caused by removing the stones.
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